Early Signs of Gum Disease You Should Never Ignore
Gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss, but there are simple ways you can protect yourself from this condition. By learning how to spot the early signs of gum disease, you can stop the progression in its tracks and avoid further complications.
Even when gum disease is allowed to progress, there is often something we can do to help slow the advancement and protect your teeth. It might take some diligent care, but you can often get your oral health back on track with a few simple steps.
To protect your teeth, it’s essential that you take action at the first sign of a problem. If you spot any of these signs, make sure you don’t ignore them.
Early signs of gum disease
The best way to protect your oral health and prevent gum disease is by committing to regular dentist checkups. This is an ideal opportunity for your dentist to check the health of your gums and to recommend further treatment if required. If you notice any of the following signs in between appointments, make sure you schedule a checkup to stop the issue from becoming much worse.
Bleeding gums
If you notice blood in the toothpaste when you spit after brushing your teeth, this could be a sign that you have inflammation of the gum tissue. This is one of the earliest signs of gum disease, and one that you should never ignore.
If your gums bleed when you floss, this doesn’t mean that you should avoid flossing. It often means that you really need to floss more, but your gums are damaged by inflammation, which is what causes the bleeding.
Bleeding gums can also be caused by poor brushing technique, impacted teeth and infections, so it’s important to get to the bottom of the issue quickly.
Tender gums
Alongside bleeding, you might also notice that your gums feel sore. This could be all the time, or just after brushing. You might also become more sensitive to certain foods and temperatures, including very sweet things and hot or cold items.
Sensitivity is a sign that your gums are receding and the teeth are losing protection, while tenderness is a common sign of inflammation.
Bad breath
Frequent bad breath, even when you brush your teeth, could be a sign that you have plaque and tartar build up on your teeth. Sticky plaque becomes a magnet for bacteria, which contributes to the bad breath.
This can often be difficult to spot, as we can’t always smell what is right under our nose, but you may have a kind friend or partner who will let you know if you have a persistent problem.
Red, white or receding gums
Gums should be pink and healthy, so if they are white, deep red or showing signs of receding, this could be a sign of gum disease. Receding gums will create larger gaps between your teeth, which provides a perfect hiding place for food debris and bacteria. This can cause further inflammation, making your gum disease symptoms much worse.
Loose teeth
As gum disease progresses, the tissue that supports your teeth will become so inflamed and damaged that it will struggle to hold your teeth. When this happens, your teeth can become loose in the socket, and this will eventually lead to tooth loss.
Treatment for gum disease
If you have any signs of gum disease, the challenge will be to deep clean the teeth to prevent the build-up of plaque and bacteria, which will also give the gums a chance to heal. A visit to the dental hygienist will help to get your oral health back on track. Book a checkup with The Dental Place Warwick today if you’re worried about gum disease.
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